A Minnesota community was shaken after a 72-year-old man was arrested for writing a disturbing 236-page manifesto he titled “How to Kill a Federal Judge.” Authorities say the man not only created the document but also boldly showed it to staff members at a public library while making copies.
Elderly Man Arrested for Threatening Federal Judge
Robert Phillip Ivers, 72, was taken into custody last week and charged with threatening to assault and murder a federal judge. Officials say his writings contained chilling threats targeting judges, their families, politicians, and even children.
This is not Ivers’s first brush with the law. In 2019, he was convicted for threatening to kill a federal judge and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Disturbing Library Incident
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to Wayzata Library on September 3 after reports of a man printing copies of a lengthy manifesto. Investigators say Ivers showed parts of the document to staff, including a page that mentioned “killing children” and displayed a picture of a gun.
He also allegedly distributed a three-page flyer advertising his work. The flyer claimed the manifesto was meant to teach extremists how to “plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone including judges, their family members, politicians and more.”
Chilling Content of the Manifesto
Prosecutors described the writings as filled with anger over “perceived wrongs” by the judicial system. The document included disturbing sketches, handwritten threats to kill, and repeated references to targeting federal judges.
At one point, Ivers allegedly wrote: “If this book doesn’t instill fear in you then you’re already dead.” He also fixated on two specific judges — one who presided over his earlier federal trial and another he had previously threatened.
FBI and Authorities Respond
Law enforcement officials stressed the seriousness of the threats. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said the writings were “bone chilling” and emphasized that threats against the community will be dealt with swiftly.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis added that threats against federal judges not only endanger individuals but also weaken trust in the justice system. He made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
Current Legal Status
Ivers was arrested the same evening authorities responded to the library. A search of his vehicle revealed further materials related to his writings. He has already made his initial court appearance and will remain in custody until a bond hearing.
The arrest of Robert Phillip Ivers highlights how dangerous written threats can be, especially when directed at public servants such as judges. His manifesto, filled with violent fantasies and personal grudges, was more than just disturbing words on paper — it was an intentional attempt to spread fear.
With his history of threatening judges and his fixation on revenge, the swift action by authorities prevented a dangerous situation from spiraling further.
